How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost In 2025?

You notice dust collecting on your HVAC ducts and wonder what’s going on inside. Maybe you took a torch and came across the worst of things including dust, debris, pet hair, and even mold or pests.

And now, you want to schedule a full duct cleaning. 

But before you do so, the biggest question you’d be finding answers to is likely this: How much does air duct cleaning cost? 

For starters, air duct cleaning services in New Jersey cost between $500 and $1000. 

However, the price breakdown isn’t as straightforward here. That’s because unlike a quick vent wipe-down, duct cleaning is a full-on deep clean of your entire system. 

So, what should you expect to pay and what’s included in that cost?

In this blog, I will break it all down including  the average prices in NJ, cost factors, and simple ways to estimate your duct cleaning cost. 

Let’s get started. 

Key takeaways 

• Air duct cleaning in NJ typically costs between $500 and $1,000.
  
• Home size and number of vents are major factors that affect pricing.
  
• North Jersey tends to be more expensive due to labor and housing factors.
  
• A proper cleaning includes ducts, blower motor, coil, and optional sanitization.
  
• Beware of lowball offers as they often don’t include full-system cleaning.
  
• Expect the job to take 3 to 6 hours and involve two trained technicians.

How much does air duct cleaning cost in New Jersey?

As a homeowner in New Jersey, you’ll spend between $500 and $1,000 for a full-service professional air duct cleaning.

This is, however, a broad average and the total price you’ll pay can vary depending on your area, total duct size, extent of cleaning, and more.

For instance, duct cleaning in North Jersey (like Bergen or Essex County) might be a bit pricier than those in South Jersey. That’s because North Jersey has higher labor costs, larger homes, older and complex ductwork, etc., to name a few. 

Here’s a breakdown of air duct cleaning cost based on home type:

Let’s take a closer look at the price breakdown for different NJ homes and what kind of cleaning you can expect for each.

1. Smaller homes: $500-$600

If you live in a smaller home, apartment, or condo, especially one with just a single HVAC system and not too many vents, you’ll likely pay between $500 and $600. 

This price typically covers:

• Basic inspection of the ductwork
• Cleaning of supply and return vents
• Negative-pressure vacuuming
• Light brushing or agitation to loosen dust

This is perfect if your system is relatively clean but hasn’t been serviced in a few years. Also, it works if you’ve just moved in and want to be reassured of your indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency.

2. Average-sized homes: $700-$900

This is where most homeowners in New Jersey land. 

If you have a standard single-family home that’s sized about 2000-2500 sq. ft., has 15–20 vents, and one HVAC unit, you can expect to pay between $700 and $900. 

Here’s what’s usually included in this price:

• Full duct cleaning (supply, return, and trunk lines)
• Cleaning of the blower motor, fan, and sometimes the evaporator coil
• Use of professional-grade vacuums and agitation tools
• Inspection for mold, pests, or other issues
• Some companies even provide before-and-after photos

This level of cleaning usually takes 3-5 hours and involves two technicians, especially if your system hasn’t been cleaned in several years.

Note: If the level of dust and buildup in your ducts is above normal, the cleaning cost can exceed this range. 

3. Larger homes with multiple HVAC systems: $1,000+

Let’s say your home is over 3,000 sq. ft., or you have more than one heating and cooling system. In this case, you can expect to pay more than $1000 for full air duct cleaning. 

This is common in upscale homes, split-level houses, or custom builds in areas like Princeton, Mendham, or the Jersey Shore.

Here, the ductwork is more extensive, and the cleaning process takes longer and involves more equipment. Also, your home might have: 

• Additional zones or thermostats
• Hard-to-reach ducts (like in attics or crawlspaces)
• Flexible or insulated ducts that require more care
• A higher number of vents (sometimes 25+)

Now, although it’s a bigger investment, it ensures every part of your HVAC system is cleaned thoroughly. And this goes a long way to improve indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and even reduce allergens in the home.

But why does air duct cleaning cost more than vent cleaning?

As you can see, the above duct cleaning costs are much more than the average vent cleaning cost of $300-$500. 

So why is there so much difference?

Well, vent cleaning typically just covers the registers and maybe a quick vacuum behind them.

On the other hand, air duct cleaning is a full-system cleanup of your home’s entire duct network. And this requires using powerful equipment, trained professionals, and several hours of detailed work, all of which inflates the total cost. 

What’s covered in the cost of air duct cleaning?

When you pay for air duct cleaning, you’re not just hiring someone to stick a vacuum into a vent and call it a day. That’s because a proper duct cleaning involves multiple steps, specialized tools, and a trained team that knows what they’re doing. 

Here’s what’s usually included in the price:

1. Inspection

Before anything gets cleaned, the technicians start with a thorough inspection of your system. This includes:

• Looking inside the ducts for heavy dust, debris, or buildup
• Checking for any signs of mold, rodents, or insect infestations
• Inspecting key components like the blower motor, evaporator coil, and air handler

Some professionals also use cameras to show you the inside of your ducts before they start so that you can actually see what’s going on. Also, it helps them customize the cleaning process based on what they find.

2. Negative-pressure vacuuming

This is the core part of duct cleaning where a powerful vacuum system is hooked up to your ductwork either at the furnace or a main trunk line.

These vacuums create negative pressure, which basically means they suck all the dust and debris out of the ducts instead of letting it blow around your home.

The vacuums I am talking about are high-powered truck-mounted machines built specifically for duct cleaning. They’re strong enough to pull out years of dust, pet dander, construction debris, and other junk hiding in your system.

3. Agitation tools for deeper cleaning

Suction alone isn’t always enough, especially when dirt is caked onto the inside of the ducts.

That’s where agitation tools come in. They include:

• Rotating brushes
• Air whips
• Compressed air nozzles

These tools are inserted into the ducts to scrub and loosen stubborn dirt, which is then sucked out by the vacuum. 

4. Component Cleaning

Good companies don’t just clean the ducts, they also take care of important HVAC components. This might include:

• Blower motor
• Evaporator coil
• Plenum (the air distribution box)
• Drain pans and fan compartments

These parts are critical to your system’s performance. And if they’re dirty, your HVAC can lose efficiency and even spread contaminants through the air.

Note: Not every company includes this in the base price, so be sure to ask what’s covered when you get a quote.

5. Final sanitization

Some companies offer sanitizing or disinfecting sprays at the end of the job. These are meant to:

• Kill bacteria or mold spores
• Neutralize odors
• Seal duct surfaces to reduce future buildup (some include antimicrobial coatings)

This part is usually optional and might cost you an extra $100 to $300 depending on the size of your system and what product is used. 

However, if you’ve had water damage, pests, or mold in the past, it is worth considering.

What are the factors that determine your total air duct cleaning cost?

Not every duct cleaning job costs the same and there are several things that can push the price up or down. This essentially depends on how big the job is and what the technicians run into along the way.

Here are the factors and their impact on cost:

Here’s a closer look at the factors that affect your final bill:

1. Home size and number of vents

This is pretty straightforward: The bigger your home or the more ducts you have, the longer it is going to take to clean them all. 

For instance, a small condo with 8-10 vents will cost a lot less than a 4-bedroom house with 25 vents and two return ducts.

So, if you’re trying to estimate your cost, a quick rule of thumb is to count all your supply and return vents and multiply by about $25-$50 per vent.

2. How easy or difficult it is to access the ductwork 

If your ductwork is tucked away in tight spots like a crawlspace, attic, or behind a drop ceiling, it will add time and effort for the technicians. That’s because hard-to-reach areas require:

• Special tools or ladders
• Extra setup and teardown time
• Additional safety precautions

Simply put, the more complicated it is to access your ducts, the higher the labor cost will be. 

3. Type of ductwork

While some homes have rigid metal ducts, others use flexible ductwork made of plastic and wire. 

Now, flexible ducts are more delicate and can’t be cleaned as aggressively, which calls for more time and care.

Also, if your ducts are insulated or have fragile seals, the team needs to work more cautiously. This slows things down and slightly raises the price.

4. Condition of the ducts

The dirtier your system, the more work it takes to clean it. 

Here are some common things that make a cleaning job more intense:

• Heavy dust and dirt buildup
• Pet hair and dander (especially in multi-pet homes)
• Construction debris from recent remodeling or renovations
• Visible mold or mildew
• Rodent or insect droppings

So, if your ducts haven’t been cleaned in years, you can expect the job to take longer and cost more.  

How to estimate your air duct cleaning cost?

Before you start calling companies for quotes, you can get a rough estimate yourself using two simple methods, namely per vent and per square foot methods. 

Although these won’t give you the exact prices, they’ll surely help you set realistic expectations and avoid getting overcharged.

Method 1: The per vent method 

This is probably the easiest way to estimate your cost. 

Just walk through your home and count all your vents. And as you count, be sure to include all air vent types in your home, including supply vents and return vents.

Once you’ve got your total vent count, multiply it by $25–$50 per vent, which is the typical range most companies charge.

For instance, let’s say you count 18 vents total. In this case your expect cost of duct cleaning will be: 

• 18 vents × $25 = $450 (on the low end)
• 18 vents × $50 = $900 (on the high end)

So, your estimated price range would be $450 to $900, depending on the company and the condition of your ducts.

Method 2: The per square foot method

Another way to estimate is based on your home’s total square footage. This method is great if you’re not sure how many vents you have or don’t want to count.

Just take your home’s square footage and multiply it by $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot.

For instance, if your home is 2,200 sq. ft., your estimated duct cleaning cost will be: 

• 2,200 × $0.15 = $330 (lower end)
• 2,200 × $0.40 = $880 (upper end)

Here, you’re looking at a range of $330 to $880, depending on how dirty the ducts are and what the company includes in their cleaning package.

Cost estimate methods in short:

A few things you should keep in mind:

• These estimates are just ballpark figures and your actual cost may vary based on factors like duct condition, access, and location.
• Some companies charge flat rates for the whole job, while others use a per-vent or per-system model.
• If you have more than one HVAC system, you’ll likely pay more, usually 1.5× to 2× the base rate.

Want to know precisely how much you’ll pay for the job?

Reach out to us and get a free air duct cleaning quote today!

Conclusion

While the upfront cost of air duct cleaning in New Jersey can range from $500 to $1,000, it’s often a smart investment. More so if it’s been a few years since your last cleaning or you’ve noticed signs of buildup, odors, or reduced HVAC performance.

After all, you’re not just paying for cleaner air; you’re investing in:

• A healthier home with fewer allergens
• A more efficient HVAC system
• Peace of mind knowing your system is cleaned thoroughly and professionally

Want to schedule a full duct cleaning in your home?

Get in touch with us!

At Clean Air Technologies, we are NJ’s most seasoned HVAC cleaning and indoor air quality professionals.

We bring three decades of hands-on experience and state-of-the-art tools to clean your ducts from the inside out. And we’ve got all you covered on a budget, notwithstanding the size of your home. 

Frequently asked questions 

How often should I get my air ducts cleaned?

Most experts (including the EPA and NADCA) recommend cleaning your air ducts every 3 to 5 years. 

However, you might need it more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or recent construction work in your home.

Will duct cleaning improve indoor air quality?

Yes, it will, especially if your system has heavy dust, mold, pet dander, or other buildup. 

Clean ducts help reduce allergens and make your indoor air feel fresher and cleaner.

How long does a duct cleaning job usually take?

A proper cleaning usually takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the size of your home and how dirty the system is. Most jobs involve two technicians and professional-grade equipment.

Can I clean air ducts myself?

While you can vacuum vent covers and surface dust, a full duct cleaning requires specialized vacuums, brushes, and experience. It’s best left to trained professionals if you want the job done thoroughly and safely.

What should I watch out for when choosing a company?

Beware of “whole house cleaning for $99” offers. These are usually just surface-level vent cleanings with high-pressure upsells. Look for:

• NADCA-certified professionals
• Clear upfront pricing
• Full-system cleaning (not just vents)
• Before/after photos or inspection reports